Money News

Citizen's Advice Bureau responds to free phone calls offer

Tue 19th Jan 2010

The Citizen's Advice Bureau has spoken out in support of the decision to offer free mobile phone calls to Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) numbers for people on benefits.

Lizzie Iron, Citizens Advice Head of Welfare Policy, said that calls to most of the DWP's 0800 numbers will now be available free of charge to even more people, as individuals who receive financial help from the government.

"It will mean that people on the lowest incomes will no longer be spending money they can't afford, simply to claim the benefits that might keep them out of poverty," she added.

The DWP had made many of their services contactable through 0800 numbers as they are free to call from a landline.

However, this new move, which has been brought about in conjunction with six mobile phone operators, means that even more people will be able to contact the services without worrying about running up large phone bills.

Last month, the Citizen's Advice Bureau advised people on low incomes to start planning their finances for next Christmas now, in order to prevent themselves falling into debt.